May's Best Dog-Friendly Events

Posted by Pam Eikelberg

Jump in the car, roll down those windows and bring Fido to some pet-friendly events this May. Your pup is invited to a doggie yoga class, a pet-friendly train ride through the country, an Olympic-style festival for dogs, and much more.

Doggie Yoga & Acupressure Class

Matthews, NC
“I could get used to this!” Photo by @camikphotography and Facebook.com/charlottepopupyoga

Roll out a yoga mat and enjoy practicing poses with your pup at a Doggie Yoga & Acupressure Class. This pet-friendly event, hosted by Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga, takes place rain or shine at Stumptown Park in Matthews, NC. Feel more balanced and centered with Fido by your side as you try out new poses together in a 30-minute vinyasa class followed by a 15-minute acupressure demonstration. Under the guidance of a certified animal acupressure practitioner from Poll to Pastern, you’ll learn the benefits and application of this holistic treatment for pooches. After connecting with Fido on the mat, enjoy some treats with other pups and pet parents in the park.

The Doggie Yoga & Acupressure Class will take place on May 7, and registration is available online through Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga. Continue your day of wellness with a restful stay at nearby Hampton Inn Charlotte Matthews, conveniently located across the street from PetSmart in case you forget to pack any essentials for your favorite canine.

Fido on the Farms

Urbandale, IA
“I see fields of green…” Photo by Facebook.com/LivingHistoryFarms

From sheep dogs to lap dogs, pups of all varieties will enjoy Fido on the Farms in the beautiful countryside of Urbandale, IA. Spend the day together with other farm-loving hounds and pet parents at Living History Farms, where your pup can take a tractor cart ride, walk the trails and visit three working farm sites. Enjoy fun canine-themed activities as you stroll through the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill, but remember to keep your pooch on a leash, outside of buildings and away from livestock areas while you explore the grounds.

Fido on the Farms will be held on May 13, and all activities are included with general admission. After your pup enjoys a day of sniffing that fresh country air, get a good night’s rest and complimentary pet treats at La Quinta Inn and Suites Des Moines West Clive. Located just a mile from Campbell Recreation Area with access to the pet-friendly Clive Greenbelt Trail, you and Fido can continue your adventures by taking in scenic views along this popular path.

Doggie Dash

Portland, OR
Matching smiles and matching styles. Photo by Facebook.com/OregonHumane

Grab Fido’s leash and a pair of running shoes and get ready for the Oregon Humane Society’s Annual Doggie Dash. This fun walk/run is Portland’s biggest pet event of the year, featuring 1.5-mile and 2.5-mile routes as well as a pet festival full of vendors, food trucks, raffles and contests along the Willamette River at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Register in advance through the OHS website or in person the morning of the dash and treat Fido to some event swag, including a race bib and a Mud Bay doggie bag.

Doggie Dash will take place on May 13. Rest up before the big race with a night at Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center, where pet beds are available for four-legged guests during their stay. Located right across the street from pet-friendly Starbucks, you and Fido can swing by for a coffee and puppuccino before heading over to the starting line just five blocks away.

Bluegrass Pugfest

Louisville, KY
An event fit for a King. Photo by Facebook.com/BluegrassPugfest

Calling all Pugs in the Bluegrass State and beyond, this pug-centric event is one you and Fido won’t want to miss. The annual Bluegrass Pugfest in Louisville, KY is not only the perfect chance for your pup to meet other short-snouted friends, but it’s also a fun way to support rescue organizations in their efforts to help Pugs in need of medical care and loving homes. Browse over 50,000 square feet of vendors and rescue booths, and enter your dog in a costume contest, a custard eating competition, or the ever-popular crowning of the King and Queen! Tickets are available in advance as well as on the day of the event.

Bluegrass Pugfest will be held on May 20 and 21 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Cuddle up with your pooch for the night at the nearby Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center, where Pugs, snoring and all, are welcome.

Pupapalooza

San Diego, CA
Picture perfect and ready to pawty. Photo by Facebook.com/secondchancebeercompany

Hit the road for the “ulti-mutt” dog-friendly event at Pupapalooza, hosted by Second Chance Beer Company in sunny San Diego. Fido will love socializing with friends at this event that’s all about the pups. Enjoy delicious food and special brews while listening to beats from a live DJ, as well as pop-up shopping and photo ops of your adorable canine. Admission is free, or you can choose between silver and gold VIP packages for guaranteed photo sessions and table reservations. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit The Animal Pad, a local all-breed dog rescue.

Pupapalooza will take place on May 20. After an afternoon of socializing with canines and pet parents, wind down for the night just a half mile down the road at Sonesta ES Suites San Diego Rancho Bernardo. Your favorite pal will be treated to a bed, bowls and treats provided at check-in. Enjoy a short morning walk with Fido for a cup of coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, featuring cafe tables on their pet-friendly patio.

Frankenmuth Dog Bowl

Frankenmuth, MI
“I sure hope there’s a trophy full of dog treats at the finish line!” Photo by Facebook.com/frankenmuthdogbowl

Get Fido ready to show off his skills at the world’s largest Olympic-style festival for dogs, the annual Frankenmuth Dog Bowl. Located at River Place Shops, this pet-centric event features a wide variety of activities you can watch as well as events that your pup can compete in, including DockDogs® and disc dog competitions, sheep herding demonstrations, wiener dog races, and so much more. Register your Min Pin or Great Dane for the Small Doggie and Big Doggie Fun Run, or grab their favorite costumes and join in the pet parade, costume contest, or silly pet tricks competition. With 22 events your pup can participate in, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this action-packed weekend.

The Frankenmuth Dog Bowl will be held on May 27 and 28. Activities are free to watch, but some registration fees apply for competing canines. Book a stay at Drury Inn & Suites Frankenmuth, so Fido can rest his weary paws and prepare for another day of fun. Enjoy strolling through the surrounding Bavarian-inspired town, where you and your favorite hound can dine on the outdoor patio at Fischer Platz Biergarten or Schnitzelbank Biergarten.

Bow Wow Express

Kempton, PA
Ready to ride the rails. Photo by Facebook.com/WKSRailroad

All aboard the Bow Wow Express! Canine conductors are invited to take a 40-minute ride on the WK&S Railroad for a special day dedicated to dogs. Fido can enjoy a ride through rolling farm fields and forests, past orchards, and across a bridge over the scenic Ontelaunee creek. He’ll also see the two old-time towns of Trexler and Wanamakers. The train departs by the hour, and all dogs will receive a complimentary biscuit and a coupon for a $0.50 hot dog. Best of all, proceeds from the $3 pup tickets will be donated to Fresh Start Animal Rescue League.

Bow Wow Express will depart every hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 7 at the WK&S Train Station. After riding the rails, relax for the evening in a magical, cozy yurt with your pup. Enjoy a charcuterie board on the deck, soak in the hot tub or kick back in the swing overlooking a creek.

Has your dog ever competed in Dog Bowl Olympics? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Facebook.com/BluegrassPugfest.